Prospective Students
START EARLY
As international students, we understand the confusion and dilemma often harbored amongst prospective students when working on U.S. applications. This is why we created F-1 Careers, a platform where prospective students can familiarize themselves with the application process, get guidance from current international students who were once in similar positions, and get easy access to relevant resources essential for landing your DREAM COLLEGE.
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION ROAD MAP
START
COLLEGE RESEARCH
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Research your desired programs extensively
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Gather your ALL relevant materials, e.g. transcripts, awards, and recognitions, thesis, projects e.t.c.
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Plan and prepare to take required standardized tests e.g. ACT, SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, MCAT
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Outline your story/narrative: background and motivations for pursuing the desired program.
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Review your extracurricular activities and fill in the gaps
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Draft your statement of purpose. Reach out to friends, F-1 Careers mentors, and other trusted sources for review.
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APPLY APPLY APPLY!
Here's a recent To-Do List for International Applicants, prepared by U.S. News:
Get Your Documents in Order.
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Transcripts (school reports): might need to translate all documents to English
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Letters of recommendation (at least two from your teachers and one from your counselor/Principal)
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Score reports for any required standardized tests like the ACT, SAT, and English language proficiency tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo
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Financial Documents: Bank statements, etc
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Passport: Often required early in the process for test registration
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Note: Most U.S. colleges and universities have waived the standardized test requirements. Visit the admissions website of each school you intend to apply to in order to learn more.
Learn more about each standardized test.
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Your opportunity to tell your story
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Show colleges how your progression in school or life experiences has prepared you to embark on a U.S. international education.
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Address the specific questions/prompts if given one. Admission committees are assessing your ability to communicate
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Avoid simply reciting your resume or activities list
Use the "SHOW DON'T TELL" approach to shape your narrative. -
Prepare multiple drafts and have trusted reviewers give you critical but constructive feedback
PERSONAL STATEMENTS
Examples of well-written personal statements by international students
EXTRA-CURRICULARS
Examples of the Common App activities list descriptions
Strengthen and Document Extracurricular Activities.
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Part-time work/internships
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Volunteering/Acts of service
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Sports and competitions
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Other interests like music, art, writing, poetry, etc
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Science projects
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Tutoring/Mentoring
ASK FOR REFERENCES
You will need at least two recommendation letters from your teachers and one from your Counselor/Principal/Head Teacher)
Figure Out College Counseling Resources Available at Your School or Country.
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U.S. Embassy
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Education USA
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KenSAP
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TanSAO
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ZanSAP
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Bridge to Rwanda
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
THE COLLEGE APPLICATION
After going through the steps above and gathering all documents, you're ready to apply!
TWO APPLICATION CYCLES
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Identify all TARGET (plan A) and SAFETY (plan B) schools with help from your counselor.
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Visit each college's website for instructions on how to apply.
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Familiarize yourself with the Common App (used by most colleges) or other platforms like Coalition and Universal App used by certain schools.
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Universities like MIT and the U.C. schools (U.C. Berkeley, U.C.LA, U.C. Davis) have their own application portals.
THE EARLY APPLICATION CYCLE
Results: December 15th - 31st
Begins: August 01st
Deadline: November 01st
THE REGULAR APPLICATION CYCLE
Results: Mid March - April
